Carpet vs. Laminate Flooring (hardwood, how much, townhouse, paint)

[NC_Paddler]

Hi -- I'm going to be selling my townhouse and need to replace my carpet on my 2nd and 3rd floors (hardwoods and ceramic tile on the first floor). I'm debating whether to install or carpet or laminate flooring.

On the one hand, I'm obviously getting rid of the house, so my primary concern is increasing sellability. On the other hand, I'm pretty sensitive to the VOCs that are emitted from things like carpet, and I will have to live there at least for a little while (and in this market, it could be longer than I'd really prefer).

So I have two questions:

1. Is laminate flooring going to improve the sellability of my house, or is it pretty much a coin flip with carpet?

2. Is laminate flooring going to emit less VOCs and improve overall indoor air quality versus carpet?

Thanks very much for any advice.

[cdelena]

Sounds like a marketing problem so I would check with local Real Estate pros.

[K'ledgeBldr]

VOC's from carpet?
Paint one wall in your house with regular latex paint-not only will you have a greater amount of VOC's but they'll linger longer (than that of carpet). Maybe you're reaching a bit.
Anyway, if you have "real" hardwood on the main level- don't cheapin' it by installing lam' upstairs. Keep a continuous flow. However, I don't think you'll see a very good return for adding hardwood (unless several of your ajoining neighbors have it).
Since your putting it on the market- just install new carpet. And as far as the indoor quality- just expect an increase in loose fibers for about a month.

[motormaker]

Might want to read this thread,

http://www.city-data.com/forum/shopp...ergo-wood.html

[NC_Paddler]

Originally Posted by K'ledgeBldr

VOC's from carpet?
Paint one wall in your house with regular latex paint-not only will you have a greater amount of VOC's but they'll linger longer (than that of carpet). Maybe you're reaching a bit.
Anyway, if you have "real" hardwood on the main level- don't cheapin' it by installing lam' upstairs. Keep a continuous flow. However, I don't think you'll see a very good return for adding hardwood (unless several of your ajoining neighbors have it).
Since your putting it on the market- just install new carpet. And as far as the indoor quality- just expect an increase in loose fibers for about a month.

Yeah, I painted my house with no-VOC paint. As to off-gassing, I know I was sicker than a dog for a long time when I moved into my new office building. I don't know how much of that was due to the carpet specifically, but as a result, I tend to err on the side of caution.

Anyway, thanks for the information. Good point on the "cheapen it" comment.